Molding an interest in art
During Block 1 Heather Brown ’16 taught six disabled adults to create pottery.
Heather Brown ’16 took advantage of one of the best parts of Cornell’s One Course At A Time curriculum—the ability to create a block-long independent study project—to help with her goal of becoming an art therapist and give several weeks of training to adults with disabilities.
Brown spent first block teaching six Goodwill of the Heartland clients how to make pottery, from creating the clay to preparing plates and mugs for final firing. She worked with them to create several pieces, one of which reflected the history of Goodwill, which was founded by Edgar J. Helms, Cornell Class of 1889. The pieces were displayed Oct. 19 at an art show to celebrate Goodwill of the Heartland’s 50th anniversary.
For the past two years Brown has led the campus’ chapter of Project Linus, which creates blankets for critically ill children. Before coming to Cornell she had experience working with disabled adults. She plans to earn a master’s degree in art therapy.
